Book inspiration

Andrea, of Indigo Blue Designs, has posted a tutorial on how to make this bag.
The idea is from the book Brilliant Bags: 20 beautiful bags to stitch & love, by Deena Beverley.

I do have a few tips:
Remember that you can sew one scarf to another scarf (to another scarf...) or sew strips or pieces, to make a bigger (and often more interesting) fabric.

You can sew your scarf (or scarves) atop another fabric, or join your scarf to another fabric, to make a larger fabric.

You can back your scarf with interfacing, and thereby mimic a woven fabric (that's what I did for the t-shirt challenge too).
This way you can actually use a sewing pattern if you like (that's probably what I'm going to do for this challenge).

And don't stop there!
Remember, you can take it one step further and embellish.
The book Sew Vintage: New Creations from Found Fabrics, by Jennie Archer Atwood, has some examples of pillows made with scarves (but the idea easily translates to purses).
She used a beaded scarf and silk dupioni to make this pillow.
If you can't find a scarf already beaded, then add your own details!
Think embroidery also, and applique.

Excuse my delay in posting.
I have been so busy--painting a room, getting things in order, reading a lot, working at night.

I really wanted to mention the idea of using slide protectors in your art, or, in this case considering making a purse with them.
These vintage items are readily available on ebay or similar places.

These examples are from the book Collage Lost and Found: Creative unique projects with vintage ephemera, by Giuseppina Cirincione.
I spotted this book while browsing at Barnes & Noble one day, and absolutely HAD to have it.
I have not been disappointed.

Here, she used metal slide mounts as the cover of a photo album.
I adore this idea.
Especially with the metal mounts, I can envision this in purse form.

Here, she made a book with paper mounts
I like how she stamped words across the paper, and made charms from old Bingo cards.

Book inspiration

You can find inspiration in some DIY-style books.
This cute "Rock the Tote" is from Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt, by Megan Nicolay.

Also this hobo they call "Bag Lady", made from two tees.


Make simple bags, shown in Sew Subversive: Down & Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista, by Stitch Lounge (Melissa Rannels, Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng).

Zippered Purse Pattern

This little bag pattern is in the current (summer 2007) issue of
Quilts and More magazine (Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection).

This *might*, ahem, be a good pattern for you to use for a future theme.
Just sayin'...

Beach Bag idea

And don't forget books for ideas and inspiration:

From Crazy Quilting in a Weekend, by Flora Roberts. Copyright 2005.

Vintage Fabric Choices

One of the reasons I wanted to use tea towels for the current challenge, is because I really hope people stop to consider the value of vintage fabrics.
Even stained items can be cut and remade, and given new life.

I came across a great book the other day, Sewing with Fabulous Vintage Fabrics, by Arden Franklin.
(similar to some books I have written about previously).

This market bag is made from a table runner, but it's certainly applicable for tea towels also.


This bag calls for a linen that is appliqued or embroidered. This example also has vintage handles.


When you work on sewing projects (bags or otherwise), consider using fabric from old tablecloths, doilies, aprons, etc.
Remember, you can collage pieces, or do a patchwork with the salvageable parts...so even worn items can still be saved.

I know some collectors consider it sacrilege, but I would personally rather see something used and admired, versus stuffed away in a drawer somewhere.

DIY Mag

I was in Barnes and Noble tonight, and noticed a new publication out by the brilliant Stampington and Company.

Ooh...Haute Handbags. Handmade purses, clutches, and altered bags.
The second edition is now available in stores.